The nimbly inventive, experimental prog trio from Brighton return following their debut LP Terrapath, with an evolved, often catchier style of oddball riffs, licks, clever tempo changes, unusual rhythms, and unconventional chord progressions with a stirring of jazz inflections, dream pop, psych rock and shoegaze. Dynamic combination of drummer Louis Bradshaw, lead guitarist Tom Coyne, and vocalist/guitarist Chloe Spence show a natural chemistry, with Spence’s very high vocals also bringing an ethereal dreampop flavour reminiscent of Cocteau Twins or Beach House, and producer and sometimes live member Nathan Ridley has helped hone a groovier, catchier side to their sound. GThe excellent Splatter is a good example, an unusual challenge for a prog band to go under three minutes, but with a concise punch, while, at twice the length, the single Dozer explores different sides constantly on the move – labyrinthine math-rock, frenetic, pulsing riffs, subdued, experimental breakdowns and then in reverse, also influenced by krautrock bands such as Can or Neu!. Opener Parasite is a fast and furious explosion of sounds with lightning drums and scything guitar sound. By contrast Good For You is opens with extremely delicate sounds of with acoustic arpeggios, dreamy flute and almost whispered vocals. Ultivatum Cultivatum is more familiar for those already acquainted with their oeuvre - sharp, syncopated interweaving rhythms and grooves with a punchy sung melody. On both gently jazzy The Weaver, as well as closing, more angular, noisy but also stop-star track Daisy Chains are conjure intricate rhythms and Spence’s vocals become a focus point, oddly poetic and otherworldly. A fascinating, creative band, uncompromising and bold, and clearly eager to develop experiment their sound that can be both challenging and strangely captivating. Out on Bella Union.
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